Best Tips for Winter Skincare
There are so many reasons to take extra care of your skin during the winter. Perhaps you’ve had a plastic surgery procedure and want to maintain the results. Or maybe you’ve started noticing signs of aging and want to hold them off as long as possible.
Whatever the case, caring for your skin in the winter can be a challenge. The cold dry air is drying and brutal on your skin. And the indoor heating that further depletes your skin’s moisture isn’t much better.
Fortunately, there are tips for winter skincare that will keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and looking its best all the way to spring.
Easy Tips for Winter Skincare
Everyone can benefit from tweaking their skincare routine during the winter months. Even if you’re blessed with the most perfect skin. No one is immune to the redness, dryness, and chapping that can come with the season.
So to keep your skin healthy this winter, consider doing the following:
- Change Up Skincare Products
If you’re currently using a lotion, it’s time to switch to a thick moisturizer – preferably one containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These will help retain and seal moisture within your skin.
For those who don’t struggle with acne, you could consider an oil-based moisturizer that contains vitamin E. Just be sure to steer clear of anything that’s water- or alcohol-based as they’ll further dry your skin.
You’ll also want to avoid harsh cleansers for your face during the winter. Your skin shouldn’t feel ‘squeaky clean.’ Instead, opt for gentle and hydrating facial cleansers. And if you currently use products that contain retinoids, exfoliating acids, and vitamin C, you may need to cut back their use during the winter months since they’re drying.
- Add Moisture To Your Home
Even if your HVAC system has a built-in humidifier, you can never go wrong adding more moisture to your home’s environment. You may want to purchase a humidifier. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. Even a small tabletop model next to your work desk can make a difference.
In addition, if you have a fireplace or a heater next to which you love to snuggle, remember that these heating sources are also drying your skin.
- Limit Hot Showers and Baths
When the weather outside is frightful, you may feel inclined to soak in a hot bath or relax and restore with a hot shower. Intuitive as this may seem, hot water will further dry out your skin during the winter.
So to avoid irritating your skin, dial back the hot water to lukewarm and limit your showers and baths to 15 minutes. Then, once you get out of the tub/shower, pat your skin with a towel and use a moisturizer or body lotion while your skin is still damp, but not wet. This will better seal in the hydration.
- Dress Appropriately
The dry air is tough enough on your skin. But if you’re also exposing it directly to the cold and wind, you’re asking for trouble. The skin on the face and hands takes the brunt of direct exposure in the chilly months of winter. So when bundling up to go outside, don’t forget to add a scarf and gloves.
- Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen
If you live in a location where winter means a lack of sunlight, you might believe you don’t need to worry about the sun’s damaging effects on the skin. While UVB rays are weaker during the winter (and especially on cloudy days), UVA rays are present all winter. And these are the rays that will age you. So keep on applying your SPF 30+ lotion every day.
In addition, forget about trying to get that summer glow with tanning beds and artificial sunlamps. These are always damaging and increase the risk of skin cancer. You can use self-tanners along with extra moisturizer, or simply embrace your lighter shade during the winter.
- Hydrate
You knew it was coming. While you’re busy hydrating your skin and your home, don’t forget to keep hydrating your body. Drink plenty of water to add more moisture to your skin. And limit drinks that contain alcohol that will dehydrate you.
Be Kind to Your Skin This Winter
We hope the above tips for winter skincare keep your skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated through the cold months.
After all, if you take good care of your skin, it’ll take good care of you.
And if you’re curious about additional ways to look younger with a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
